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About Us
Khnemu Studio is located on the 30 acre sustainable Fernwood Farm, Just 15 minutes from Lake Michigan
Built in 1891, the farm has been lovingly restored by owners Dawn and Rob Soltysiak. The farm currently is home to resident artist, Dawn Soltysiak. The studio and kilns are run on green energy, being fueled by a 17.94 kWh solar array. The studio supports two fine craft galleries, one housed on the farm and the second, Fernwood 1891, located in downtown Fennville. We strive to live a lifestyle that is in harmony with nature and hope to create a connection between the artist and the land. We raise grass fed beef and pastured poultry in addition to beekeeping. Of course no farm would be complete without a horse, llama and a few peacocks!
What is "Khnemu" and how do you pronounce it?
(Kh-ne-mu, and yes you say the K) In Egyptian mythology Khnemu was the god of creation, arts and craft, and fertility. It was believed by the ancients that Khnemu fashioned man and the later gods on his potter's wheel. "Khnemu" literally means molder or sculptor. He is represented in hieroglyphics as the ram-headed god. Khnemu Studio is a place of creation, where one-of-a-kind vessels are molded and sculpted on the potter's wheel.
The Studio…
Khnemu Studio is fully equipped facility. We utilize a number of firing methods including electric, gas, raku, pit, smoke, soda and soon wood! The studio is a production facility for custom orders and also creates one-of-a-kind art pottery. It is also a center for continuing education for ceramic artist of all levels. Classes are held twice weekly, as well as two annual visiting artist weekend workshops (including Steven Hill, John Britt, Tony Winchester, Chandra Debuse, Justin Rothshank to name a few). In addition we hold several public events throughout the year.
Fernwood Farm
Khnemu Studio on Fernwood Farm's energy is supplied by Solar Power!
Yes...the system provides enough power to fire the electric kilns and equipment for a pottery studio. Solar energy is free, abundant and viable, even in Michigan!.
- The system is a 17.94 kWh solar array. It contains 78 - 230 watt panels.
- It will produce on average 68 kw per day, which is just under 25,000 kw in an entire year.
- An average American household consumes 10,000 kw in a year.
In 2012 Dawn wrote and was awarded a USDA Rural Energy for America Grant (REAP). This grant for rural small businesses and farms provides up to 25% of the cost of renewable energy.
The entire system cost turnkey was $53,000. The payback on the system was 6 years, with the grant funding. Installation was completed Dec. 2012
The system was engineered and provided by http://www.eventhorizonsolar.com (John Wagner) and installed by http://www.hoekstraelectric.net (Nate Patmos). Please let them know how you found out about their services. I have been pleased with their services.
On Over 30 Acres...
Khnemu Studio is located on Fernwood Farm, the home of Rob and Dawn Soltysiak. Enjoy the beauty of the farm with chickens and ducks roaming free and pumpkins growing. Dawn draws a lot of her creative energy from the natural beauty around her, which is reflected in the organic influences in her work.
Situated on over 30 pastoral acres, Fernwood Farm is located between Saugatuck and South Haven, MI near the Lake Michigan shore. This 1890's estate was originally part of the Wade Family Orchards and is a local gem. The estate still offers the original farm house and post-and-beam barn and a period 40' Aer-motor windmill.
Free-range farm fresh eggs are for sale at the studio and other home-grown farm goods are available in season. Fernwood Farm is dedicated to educating the public about preserving American Small Farms.
Striving to broaden the appreciation of handmade and homegrown, by offering a connection to
artist and the land...
Do you know where your food comes from?
If you do not know the answer to this important question and you care about the food you eat and small American farms, it is time you start asking questions....
Locally grown, grass fed, free-range and sustainable agriculture?
Thank-you for taking the time to educate yourself about this important subject.
www.fernwoodfarmestate.com Member farm of Lakeshore Harvest Country